Dan & Larry : Don't Do That

Rating:
Summary: Pointless
Review: Sorry, not impressed. I haven't read anything else by Cooper, but this particular book reads like a not very good variation on ideas which were revolutionary when Robert Crumb used them in the 60s. There's nothing shocking or original or unique in telling a story of adolesence and confused sexual identity with cartoon animals portraying people, it was done many times before. The whole story is a pointless collection of very pointless stories, the only point of the whole thing being a rather obvious, cheap psychological, contreversial-like (only it isn't) message about sexual abuse and homosexuality. If you don't have an original approach, at least try to approach a subject that was less overdone.

So why three stars? For the artwork. It's really quite good, especially the large surrealistic landscapes. The book could have been much better if it was all just full-panel landscape shots. Cooper's black and white work is excellent, and the character design is also very nice. If you're into black and white comics - and if you're into comics mainly for the artwork - you'll enjoy this. If you're a big fan of underground comix, you'll enjoy this too. But it's by far not one of the best in the genre. Try 'Lenore', 'Johnny the Homocidal Maniac', anything by Daniel Clowes, Will Eisner or R. Crumb.

Rating:
Summary: A surreal journey through your mind with eye candy
Review: This book is absolutely astounding! It tells the story of Dan; a 12-year-old chicken, and his much older friend Larry. A lot of the issues here are pretty warped, but the way it's told makes them very interesting and engaging. Best of all though, is that these serious subjects are dealt with such humor. This book is so funny, and in so many places! And then there's the artwork, holy wow! This artwork is insanely good! The abstract landscapes are so captivating, and the characters expressions are totally down to a pin point. Everything is exaggerated, and emphasized, which creates an interesting balance, or imbalance depending on how you look at it, but that's part of what makes this so interesting.

I've read "Suckle" and "Crumple" too, both amazing books by Dave Cooper, but this is my favorite definitely. Infact this is without a doubt my favorite book ever! The worlds Dave Cooper creates are so engrossing, they suck you in, and you really feel for the characters and their situations too. If you have an open mind, and want to try something new, and are bored of comic stereotypes, or realistically drawn comics, then try this. I'm absolutely amazed that Dave Cooper's work isn't more popular, because his incredible artistic talent and the way he tell his stories is like no other!

Rating:
Summary: MOST EXCELLENT
Review: This book was so interesting..you will want to read it a few times...it really opened up some interesting dicussions between me and my friends. I love Mr. Coopers work.